#family t-shirts set of 3 online

[fellametshirts]

Siblings Forever, Stylish Together! 👫 Embrace the Raksha Bandhan Spirit with Trendy Sibling T-shirts for your kids! 💗 A Fashionable Expression of Love and Protection! Celebrate the Bond, Flaunt the Style! Rakhi Reimagined with Fellame Fashion's Sibling T-shirts!

#bachelor shirts #best bro t-shirt #bro sis t-shirt #bro t-shirt #bro t-shirt India #brother-sister t-shirt #combo t-shirts for family #family custom t-shirts #family day t-shirt design #family matching #family shirts #family shirts set of 4 #family t-shirt combo #family t-shirts #family t-shirts for 3 #family t-shirts for 4 #family t-shirts online #family t-shirts online India #family t-shirts set #family t-shirts set of 3 #family t-shirts set of 3 online #family t-shirts set of 4 #family t-shirts set of 4 online #family t-shirts set of 5 #family tee #family t-shirt #family t-shirt for 3 #family t-shirt for 4 #father and son t-shirts #father-son t-shirt

[ddejavvu]

okie but imagine :3 spencer reid being your older brother’s best friend and there’s a bit of an age gap between you two???? but you’ve always??? liked him but you were sure it was unrequited (jokes on you, he’s lovesick for you 😭)

come celebrate 4k with me! - i know he was in college at like age twelve but for this to work i needed him to progress through school at a normal pace </3

--

Falling for a boy five years older than you was not your proudest moment. It may have been your stupidest, but definitely not your proudest. You'd always followed Spencer Reid around like a puppy when you were younger. He was your brother's friend, and his constant awkward manner, especially around anyone who wasn't your brother, was more of a drive than it was a deterrent.

It hadn't taken you long to get over your puppy love when Spencer had moved away, though. You knew he needed to get ahead of his studies, that college was the best place for him, and you were only a little reluctant to say goodbye. You'd rid your head of your silly little crush, though the congratulations letter that you got from him after your graduation didn't help, and started college for yourself, working out of your bedroom in your family home. Only a year after he was gone, you barely thought about him anymore.

Until he showed up at your front door. You'd answered the door lazily, without bothering to check who it was, but you'd recognize the skinny, soft nose and the nervous biting of the man's lips anywhere. He'd aged, and his hair was hanging loosely around his head, brushing against his shoulders, and subsequently, the satchel that he had slung over his shoulder.

His face, set in an neutrally optimistic expression, shifted immediately, his eyes widening and his lips parting softly at the sight of you.

"Y/N?" He finally managed to speak, his voice sending butterflies swarming through your stomach, "Y/N, oh my god!"

"Spencer," You hoped that the smile that crossed your lips wasn't too dreamy, "What are you doing here?"

"I was on a business trip, and I ended up here. I figured I'd come say hi, see how your brother was doing."

"Oh, how did the business trip go?" You'd only heard talk of his FBI escapades, and you were curious if he'd actually tell you anything. You stepped aside to let him in, realizing too late that you were wearing a ratty old t-shirt and pajama shorts, a stark contrast to his knit sweater vest and slacks.

"It was okay," He glanced around the house, smiling softly at the baby pictures that were still on the walls ten years later, "We caught the guy."

You hummed, hovering awkwardly by the doorway as he shifted nervously on his feet.

"This was when you were what, five?" Spencer pointed vaguely at a picture of you in a tutu, a ballerina for halloween. You nodded, your eyes glued to cowboy-Spencer beside you in the photo, "Somewhere around there."

"We were so little," He mused, eyes flickering back to your frame, much taller than ballerina-you in the photo, "It's nice to see you again."

"You too," You smiled, "I didn't think I ever would."

"Me neither," He admitted, "I figured you'd be living in a little apartment somewhere, or something."

"I don't wanna pay rent," You joked, heart fluttering at the soft laugh you got from him, "I'm just doing online courses for college, so I didn't see the use of leaving."

"Smart girl," He hummed, hopefully missing the way you stiffened at the words, "What are you studying?"

"Literature." You weren't going to admit it, but your passion for the written word had definitely started because of Spencer. You watched his eyes light up at the word, and he smiled fondly at you, "What style?"

"Right now we're covering romantic literature," Even though you meant the style and not the plot, your throat felt tight at discussing romance with your former childhood crush. He hummed in acknowledgement, "Romance was always my favorite."

Now, that did something to you. The butterflies in your stomach multiplied, fluttering rapidly against your tummy as the weight of his seemingly-innocent words sunk it.

You let out a barely audible, "Me too."

He caught your eye, something shining in his own as he bit back a smile. Before you could add anything, or even step forwards, you heart feet thudding behind you on the stairs. You both tore your gazes away from one another to see your brother jogging down the stairs, a wide grin on his face as he tackled Spencer in a hug.

"Dude, you're here!" He pulled away to laugh incredulously at Spencer, missing the way the man had tensed at the sudden gesture, awkwardly readjusting his bag as he threw you a glance over your brother's shoulder. You smiled gently at him, and Spencer returned the gesture.

"I am," Spencer started, "Y/N was just telling me about-"

"I know this great place we could go for lunch," Your brother cut Spencer off, grabbing his arm and tugging him towards the front door, "Come on, we can catch up!"

With that the two were gone, and you weren't even able to offer a haphazard 'goodbye' before the door swung shut and slammed against the frame. Your shoulders deflated, and you lazily checked your phone when you felt it buzz in your pocket, disappointment clear in your expression.

It all seemed to disappear when you read the name on the phone, surprised you still had Spencer's contact: Sorry I got abducted :-( I'd love to hear more about how you're doing, though? Maybe we could talk about our favorite romantic pieces sometime :-)

#spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid scenario #spencer reid oneshot #spencer reid one-shot #spencer reid one shot #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fic #spencer reid headcanon #spencer reid headcanons #spencer reid hc #spencer reid hcs #spencer reid blurb #spencer reid drabble #spencer reid dialogue #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x reader fanfiction

[dowhatisaynotwhatido]

2. FBT - opening boxes and settling down

Paring: F!Reader x Wanda 

Context: After Wundagore in Multiverse of Madness, Wanda finds what she has been looking for in a small town – more precisely, in you.

Warnings: just comfort 

Word Count: 1.8k 

Part 1 | Part 2 (this)| Part 3 | Part 4*

Although Wanda had been in Farmville for the better part of a year when you came in that Saturday, the majority of her clothes, kitchenware and decorations were still in their original moving boxes. Wanda did not plan to take her stuff out of the moving boxes: after so many frustrations moves, she preferred to be prepared to quickly grab her stuff for when she grew tired of town. However, since you came into her life, she saw herself a little less anxious about moving out and the daily things did not bother her that much anymore. And without any plan whatsoever, she surprised herself asking you to help out – even though she could easily do it with her magic, while comfortable laying on her couch sipping a tea.

In your side of the story, helping out Wanda to organize wasn't your favorite Saturday morning activity. Of course, you enjoyed her company and that week you realized how much you missed an adult friendship. However, the truth is that you simply needed the money. Your earnings as a teacher could easily support your single lifestyle; you never had a problem with that. But since adding a couple of twins necessities, the weekly therapy sessions and the need to move to a 2 bedroom house rent to your monthly bills, you were going through your savings on a dangerous speed.

Your brother and sister-in-law not-so-significant heritage were stored by the government until the twins were 16 years old, and the three of you would be starving if you waited for that. Your mom couldn't help regularly, and your sister-in-law family didn't even bother to show up in your brother’s funeral. So it was up to you to make the extra money.

You sold your old car for an old-old-super-old car. You gave up your mortgage and got a rental. You quickly sold and traded any of your extra belongings and now there was nothing left. The therapist helped you with a social fee and the elementary school gathered last year’s books, uniforms and everything that 6 yo could need to study. Your tutoring gave you a few bucks an hour, and the extra grading and online queering allowed a couple more. But it wasn't enough. Going out the academic route wasn't on your agenda, but the payroll Wanda offered could get your family through a week and you weren't going to pass that.

"Good morning, Ms. Maximoff" You said embarrassed.

"Good Lord, Y/N. Wanda." She said giving you a peck on the cheek like you were friends. "Come on in; leave your stuff on the counter. I just started on the kitchen" Wanda wore a set of sweatpants and white T-shirt with her hair up in a messy ponytail. She was a beautiful women, definitely the type you used to date - not that you were even remotely available to do anything about it in the crazy pace your life was going.

The morning passed by fast. Your company was even more enjoyable than Wanda thought, you held a light mood and you were becoming increasing more comfortable around each other. As you held the stairs for Wanda to clean an open cabinet, or you carried together a large and heavy box - you found yourself enjoying the domestic environment around her. It was pass noon when Wanda ordered a pizza and a couple of beers for you to take a break.

"Not that I am complaining... But aren't you, like, super strong?" You asked while taking a bite.

"Kind of" She dismissed getting both of you another beer "Why?"

"With all due respect, oh-miss-magical-fingers... Why the hell did we tore our back with the heavy lifting if you could do it with your pinky?" You looked at her confused both of your chuckling.

"Magical fingers?" she smirked and handled your beer. "Are you going to believe me if I tell you I forgot about it?"

"No" You smiled “But it is ok, I was just wondering why you needed my help in the first place."

"I didn’t. I like your company, Y/N. And it would feel lonely to settle down alone again." She looked into your eyes and gave a small smile "And I don't feel like being alone again"

"I know what you mean" You didn't. As much as you liked Wanda's company and her proximity made you feel all mushy and somewhat stupid; you didn't see Wanda in a romantic way. She, in the other hand, felt you cozy and warm, easy to talk to, easy smile and she was interested in a very non-platonic way.

"Sure thing" She laughed and followed you into the room.

"You don't. Yet" Her eyes quickly darted to your mouth and you instinctively licked your bottom lip flustering with the attention.

"Shall we go to the bedroom?" She lifted her brows mocking you "To organize!" you added embarrassed.

The bedroom was bigger than you expected from a 3-bedroom house. She had an on-suite and a walk-in closet - almost empty apart from couple row of clothes. You started organizing her bathroom, taking mental notes on her products, scents and a special crimson lipstick that had your dreaming about it a few weeks ago. Her skincare routine was neatly displayed on the counter, her extra towels folded under the sink and all her hair products on a basket as she instructed. There was just one box left behind and you opened it without a second thought the same way you had done with so many on that day.

But oh damn. That box was different.

You groaned low at the sight of it, your mouth watering as your mind wandered to where-how-when Wanda would use all of that.

Wanda was in her closet when she heard you and smiled to herself. She planted the box in there this morning, hoping that you would find it. Your thoughts weren't exactly innocent while sneaking a peek at the toys Wanda kept neatly organized in that box. Many sizes, shapes, different uses, intensities, a whole other world from your small bag back home. You were building a special mental image of Wanda wearing the big black strap you held when she called out your name to help. You almost let it fall as you quickly shut the box and placed it back on the cabinet.

“Thank you, sweetie.” She praised you, your cheeks burning due to the pet name.  “Do you know how to drill a hole in the wall?” She asked when you were almost over.

Once you got into the closet, Wanda was up the ladder, her ass pin up right on you eye level. She was reading your thoughts constantly since she heard your gasp, and the praise to her ass was exactly why she called you using a heavy box as excuse.

You offered politely to grab it for her, once again forgetting about how silly it all was considering she could magically get it down. As you got up in the ladder, Wanda's hands found your thigh in what seemed to be an innocent act. The proximity and the heat of her hand took a small whimper out of you, to the satisfaction of a greedy Wanda.

“Uhum. Do you want me to hang something?” You asked distracted while sorting some Knick and knacks into a smaller box

“Not hang. I just need a couple of wall mounts over there” She pointed towards her headboard hiding a mischievous grin “But I am afraid of the screwdriver” That was a lie. Wanda knew her way around a toolbox, as she often were on her own since her teen years.

“Why would someone need wall mounts near the bed?” You asked innocently while preparing the drill

She smirked “I can rope a couple of reasons” Your cheeks reddened immediately as you caught up with her meaning.

“Oh” you coughed out your embarrassment and focused on the task, your mind travelling a million directions.

All throughout the rest of the day, Wanda collected small touches and teases, observing your reactions and how your thoughts frequently traveled back to the toy-box.

….

In the days that followed that weekend, you two became close. You stopped by the teachers’ lounge more often, went out together to grab coffee and Wanda got used on waiting by your classroom door to escort you back to your car. Wanda quickly became an essential part of you daily life.

- What?

You and Wanda have been talking over coffee for a few minutes already when she suddenly tensed over something you said.

"What ‘what’?"

"What did you say your kids name were?"

"They are named Anthony and Thomas, you know that already" You frowned

"Yes, yes. Sorry. I was under the impression you said Billy and Tommy" She chuckled relaxing.

"Oh, I did. Sorry." You smiled fondly "Anthony's nickname is Billy, after his father. He always has been little Billy because they look so much alike. But after his passing, Billy just doesn't accept being called Anthony anymore" you said sadly.

When you got no response from Wanda, you lifted your gaze finding a conflicted Wanda staring down at her mug.

"Wands?"

"Sorry. I-I have to go" She said storming off.

The thing is that when you told her your kids name were Anthony and Thomas, she thought nothing of it. You have never showed her even a photo of them - keeping their privacy on social media and personal relations due to the abuse they suffered last year. So she has never seen them, and honestly, it never crossed her mind. But today, after she heard you calling them Billy and Tommy, some piece snapped back into place and she finally realized the answer to what had been bothering her for so long since the Darkhold.

Wanda didn’t mean to upset you or your kids. Of course she knew about both of them, as you talked a lot about them.

You two had become closer the last few weeks and Wanda found herself specially drawn to you difficult but ordinary life. She wanted to know everything about you and she finally started to open herself to another person. Wanda knew it was stupid of her letting you get so close, she knew she could not ever be deserving of love again- she had it once and she blew it. Her self-vexing was more than enough to keep her from making any advances towards you, but the reality is that you were the first thing she thought about before sleep and the first thing in the morning. She was falling for you in the last few weeks. Not that you knew anything about it.

And no. That wouldn't do.

Part 3

#wanda maximoff #wanda maxmoff x y/n #wanda reader #wanda x reader #wanda x y/n #mcu #wlw wanda #wanda fluff

[noras-dc-shenanigans]

Children | Music

The Bats weren’t really music people. Bruce didn’t really care about it, Dick preferred to be the one making the noice, Jason favored quiet for his reading, Tim was just too busy to listen, and Damien… well. League of Assassins: not really the forefront on the ‘hobby’ department.

So when a social worker had shown up with a feral, black haired, sometimes-blue-sometimes-Lazarus-green eyed kid, who was apparently Bruce’s cousin’s son, nobody expected that to change. He was quiet, refused to look anybody in the face, and hid in his room and only came out to eat.

Of course, considering the horrible way all his family and friends had died, and the downright abusive godfather he was removed from two months later after a very public breakdown, nobody blamed him. They had all quickly resolved to leave him alone until he was ready. (Well, mostly all. The others kept their own feral green-eyed kid in line until he got the message.)

That went on for about a week, with the kid, Danny, slowly coming out more and more, a lot like a stray cat. By the second week, he would eat meals with them rather than take his plate back upstairs, to appear magically in the sink sometime afterwords, right before Alfred would load them into the dishwasher.

A few days after the meals, he started answering innocuous questions like ‘what did you do today’ and ‘what’s your opinion on this show?’. Slowly, slowly, Danny learned that they were trustworthy, and started appearing during movies and game nights and on one memorable occasion a month in, joined in on the prank war Steph started, and subsequently won.

(They suspected, based on some of those pranks, that Danny was a meta. Some sort of invisibility and density shifting, from what Barbara found on the cameras afterwords. There was no record of him having been tested for it before, and, well… it wouldn’t be the first time a traumatic event activated someone’s meta-gene.)

So, even with all of that, he was still a pretty quiet kid. Which is why, five weeks after Danny came to live with them, they were all so surprised to hear loud, gothic music blaring out of his room. Like, really loud.

For most of the day. Also for that whole time, never once did Danny leave his room. Not for food, or movie night, or even when Jason intentionally dropped a millipede down Steph’s shirt right outside his door. There was just loud goth music, from 8:00 am until they left for patrol around 9:00 pm.

When they returned a little after 3:00, Alfred informed them that the music had suddenly cut off right at midnight, and Danny had then appeared in the kitchen, eyes red and face swollen in the way that meant a long time crying. He’d grabbed an apple, some granola bars, and at Alfred’s insistence two sandwiches and a large Gatorade before disappearing back into his room.

The next morning, at breakfast, they’d all pretended it didn’t happen. Apparently, the universe decided that the choice of a bunch of detective vigilantes to not invade someone’s privacy was deserving of a reward, because halfway through their meal Danny had set his fork down, taken a deep, slow breath, and said into the hushed room,

“Yesterday was my friend Sam’s birthday. She would’ve been 15. She was super goth, and hated that her parents would dress her up in bright frilly dresses whenever they dragged her along to some gala or rich-person event. Whenever they’d make a comment about me, or my pa-parents, she’d invite me and T- Tucker over and we’d help her pick out the loudest, gothiest music and jud-judge what outfits to buy online by how much her parents would hate them. She- she and Tucker were my only friends since we moved to Amity in first grade. Everyone else thought that because my parents were weird I was too but Tucker was nerdy and Sam was just Sam so we migrated together and stayed and now they’re gone because of me and I—“

He’d gasped, desperately, tears streaming down his face and everybody had moved as the well-trained unit they were, despite all their differences.

20 minutes later, the movie room had been requisitioned for a giant nest of pillows and blankets, and everyone piled in. There was hot cocoa and fresh-baked warm cookies and hugs and confessions. Bruce snuck away just long enough to task Cyborg with looking into the GIW and Amity Park’s ghost problem. Jason discovered that the Pit goes from pissed wolverine to cuddly kitten if he held Danny close. So of course he cuddles right in, just for the Pit, no other reason, ignore the hair petting and the weird purring sound he made.

Eventually, they’ll all have to get up. Some to work, others to work, and others still for various other activities and responsibilities.

But that’s later.

For now, they comfort a grieving kid, and, maybe, plot the downfall of a certain Fruitloop.

#danny fenton #batfamily #… Why do these keep winding up angsty! #I started this meaning it to be fun and it turned into a tear fest! #DPxDCFamilyWeek

[cieloclercs]

sliding doors , chapter three

pairing: joão félix x fem!oc                                                  part: 3/?                                                                                warnings: mentions of sex, otherwise just lots of fluff                                          word count: 8.5k

author’s note: hiiiii i’m so sorry this took so long! i hope the fluff makes up for it hehehe. also, i’m thinking of making a taglist for this story and maybe for punk tactics, so if you’d like to be on it just send me an ask!

SLIDING DOORS, “Seemingly inconsequential moments that nonetheless alter the trajectory of future events.”

03. in which joão takes esperanza out on their first date

previously: chapter two

read it on wattpad!

JOÃO COULDN'T REMEMBER the last time he'd been on a date. Not since her. He all but gave up on the idea of dating after that messy breakup, too torn apart by the way it had ended and how blind he had been to her infidelity to even consider trying again. His friends had tried to set him up with a couple of their significant others' acquaintances for a while, or encouraged him to try online dating, but it didn't take long until they too threw in the towel. Yet, within weeks of arriving alone in London, João had taken a step that not even his family had managed to get him to do, not in the years since his last relationship ended – he'd asked his pretty neighbour out for dinner.

João knew he liked her. He wasn't a teenager; he knew how to interpret the butterflies in his stomach when she smiled at him, and he knew exactly what they meant. Esperanza Cabrera had somehow managed to open up the part of himself he'd long since locked away, with only one serendipitous crossing of paths, an impromptu coffee date, and yesterday afternoon, when he'd decided to stop being a coward and just ask her out already. Three meetings. That was all it had taken. João felt the speed of it should have scared him, but he couldn't find it within his heart to fear anything involving Esperanza. She'd made too much of a mark on him already.

Mentally hyping himself up for their date would have been much easier if he had told any of his friends what was going on – (that's right, he hadn't). Not even his parents knew. João suspected his teammates may have caught on to his affections, or whatever they could be labelled as, for someone, at least, but apart from a brief mention of her name and how they had met, he'd given nothing away. As far as they were concerned, he was getting an early night; not drinking red wine in a fancy restaurant with the prettiest girl he'd ever seen.

João grew more and more conscious of the time as he tried on his fourth shirt. He and Esperanza had agreed, over text message, that he would meet her outside her apartment at seven thirty exactly. His watch read ten past seven. He let out a frustrated sigh, throwing his hands down at his sides. Nothing looked right on him. In the past, he would have just thrown on the first shirt he saw, but João wanted to make a good impression. He wanted to at least try to look a match for Esperanza, in whatever she was wearing. His mind could have conjured up a thousand images of the woman that would greet him at her door in twenty minutes, dressed to the nines, but he knew none of them would compare to the real thing. João had caught her in fluffy pyjamas last time and had barely been able to string a sentence together – what would he be like when she was all made up?

Eventually, he settled on his first choice of shirt: a tight fitting black button-up, with the collar left open, showing a sliver of his tanned skin. A thin gold chain hung around his neck, contrasting the obsidian silk. Paired with his also black pants, João feared that it was perhaps a little too much black – but he didn't have time to fret over that. Besides, he'd received some glowing reviews of this particular shirt in his Instagram comments. He'd just have to trust the general public on this one, considering his usual second opinion was none the wiser to this date even happening. Now, João slightly regretted keeping so quiet about it.

He was sweating bullets.

"I can't do it – oh Dios mio." Esperanza Cabrera muttered weakly as she stood in front of her bathroom mirror. Her hair was curled into soft waves, falling around her shoulders, and she'd decided to be a little bit bolder with her makeup than usual: a hint of smoky eyeshadow, and a strong red lip that had taken her almost an hour to get right because of how much her hand was shaking. She thought she looked pretty – but when Esperanza looked in the mirror, she began to doubt if her definition of pretty was pretty enough.

"Well you can't back out now." Millie Vallejos reminded her through the tinny speakers of her laptop, "He'll be here any minute!"

The young woman groaned, "Don't remind me."

Esperanza had actually been looking forward to this all day. It had even gotten to the point where she would count down the hours, lying on her back on the sofa, just imagining what a wonderful time she and João were going to have. Now that he was only ten minutes away from arriving, she felt like she was going to throw up.

Millie had done her best, over their three hour face time call, to keep her calm; but she could feel that control beginning to slip away the closer the minute hand on the clock drew to seven thirty. It had seemed as though, at one point, that the getting-ready process would go off without a hitch. Esperanza had decided on her outfit relatively quickly – a long sleeved black mini dress, with a cut out at the top of her chest, exposing the tiniest amount of cleavage, alongside translucent tights and a pair of black heeled ankle boots. She'd wondered aloud if it was a bit too much black, but, as Millie so eloquently put it: 'Black is sexy, and João won't know what to do with himself when he sees you in that. Trust me.' Esperanza had been more than happy to stick to her outfit after those words.

She'd felt confident. At least, for a little while. Then the minute hand began to move faster, creeping its way around to seven, and then to ten past, and now, to twenty past. Her confidence evaporated. All those doubts and fears Esperanza thought had been banished when João turned up at her door yesterday suddenly returned with full force. She began to see her figure in the mirror in a completely different light. It was just last-minute jitters, she knew that, but it hit her so hard, it took Millie yelling at her through the laptop screen to stop her from cancelling on João. Her finger had hovered over the 'send' button more than a couple of times. Yet, just as Esperanza felt sick to the stomach with nerves, she couldn't bring herself to do it. She wanted this. It shocked her just how much. She may not have even realised the intense longing she felt for a connection like that with someone – whether it was João or not – if she hadn't been seconds away from giving it up. Maybe that was the one thing Esperanza had so far missed out on during her time in London. She only had a few months left. Now was as good a time as any to change that.

"I know you're nervous, but I promise it's going to be fun!" Millie reassured her, smiling empathetically. Esperanza nodded in agreement. She was more trying to convince herself than anything. She should have known that her years spent living the hermit life when it came to dating would come back to bite her one day. Esperanza hadn't a clue what was supposed to happen on a first date — she'd only ever been on one, way back when she was fifteen, and her memory of it wasn't all that great besides. The only thing she had to go off was Millie's crash course of do's and don'ts: don't dump your entire life story on him straight away, and don't under any circumstances sleep with him (Esperanza had laughed at that — as if she was at risk of making such a mistake); on the other hand, do open up to him a little bit. But not too much. Millie said it was good to leave an air of mystery behind after a first date, 'to keep him guessing' she explained. Esperanza didn't question it.

"I just don't want to make a fool of myself." she admitted with a sigh, "You know how I get when I'm nervous — it's like I can't stop talking —"

"Cariña, we've been over this." Millie interrupted quickly, "Just don't overthink it. He's only a guy, remember? Talk to him like you'd talk to anyone else. You know, considering he's famous and all, he'd probably appreciate that."

Esperanza nodded. She just had to remind herself that she'd managed to hold a conversation with him without panicking before; just because it was an actual date this time didn't mean she couldn't do it again. Plus, Millie was probably right about João appreciating a bit of normalcy. Esperanza knew for one that she'd get tired of people ogling her like she was some sort of freak of nature pretty quickly, if she was famous. João had even said it to her in the café three days ago — he was just a normal guy.

"Ok. I think I'm ready." Esperanza announced, inhaling deeply to calm the rapid pounding of her heart. She glanced at her phone on the bathroom counter. It read seven twenty-five.

"Have fun, mi amor!" Millie cheered, "But not too much — remember what I told you, no sex on the first —"

"Jesus, Millie, I know." Esperanza's cheeks flushed red in embarrassment.

"Good. Just double checking." her best friend grinned wolfishly in reply, "You better tell me all about it when you get back."

She rolled her eyes, smiling fondly, "Who do you think I am? Of course I will."

Millie's grin transformed into a proud smirk. As Esperanza's primary confidant, it gave her a massive ego boost to know that her best friend told her absolutely everything, and vice versa — (even the things they technically weren't supposed to share). Millie knew fine well she'd be treated to a detailed retelling of the date from start to finish as soon as Esperanza got back to her apartment. She was thoroughly looking forward to it.

After hanging up on their face time call, which by the end read three hours, Esperanza made her way out of the bathroom and towards the front of her apartment. She wobbled ever-so-slightly as she reached down to pick up her handbag. Then, upon drawing back up again to her full height, the doorbell rang.

Seven twenty-eight. He was early.

João straightened his collar and smoothed down his shirt for the last time. He was filled with nervous energy — half because he was absolutely petrified of messing this up, and half because he just couldn't wait to see her. The door to Esperanza's apartment remained unanswered for a few moments, making the back of his neck grow clammy with sweat. Great. She was probably just grabbing her bag or something from another room, not bailing on him; but João couldn't shake the feeling that she wouldn't answer the door at all. Perhaps he should have texted her first.

While the short few second's wait seemed to drag on for hours, Esperanza's front door swung open so quickly he almost missed it. In the blink of an eye she was there, smiling shyly up at him, her almost whispered hello lost to the muffled sound of the world fading into insignificance all around him. João was rendered perfectly speechless.

He'd been completely right. His imagination couldn't do Esperanza's beauty justice as she stood before him now: a tight black minidress hugging her frame, and her lips painted, almost as if she had known, the exact shade of crimson that made his knees feel weak. João's mouth opened and closed like a goldfish. He clamped his jaw shut as Esperanza too seemed to have the thought to speak, but lacked the conviction in the end when her lips pressed into a thin line, cheeks flushing a faint shade of pink.

"Hi..." João murmured dumbly, "Wow...you look beautiful."

"Thank you." she smiled at the ground, bashful, "So do you. Uh — handsome, I mean. You look handsome." Esperanza winced almost imperceptibly as she stumbled over her words, afraid to look up and meet João's eye properly, though she could feel him watching her. A small smirk crept onto his face. He waited for her head to raise timidly and for her round eyes to search his face before he arched a brow, silently asking her if she was ready to go. Esperanza's apartment door clicked shut not a moment later.

João had explained to her over text the previous day that he'd sorted out their reservations for the night, so she didn't have to worry. All Esperanza knew was that it was some high-range Italian restaurant close to the city centre. Most likely, in normal circumstances, she wouldn't so much have been able to afford a glass of wine at this place; but João insisted it was no trouble. He wouldn't even entertain the idea of her paying him back for the meal.

"It's the least I can do." he said as he drove towards the city centre, eyes focussed on the road. Esperanza wanted to ask him exactly what he meant by that. In the end, when he didn't look back, she chickened out.

The restaurant was almost intimidatingly beautiful. Yet, it had a warm feeling to it. Rich, wine red carpets were soft beneath her heels, and the dark oak walls were framed with brushed gold. People of all different manners and professions milled around: socialites, businessmen, and even some low-level celebrities, dressed like they'd just walked out of some vintage film from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Esperanza rubbed her arms self-consciously. Surrounded by all this wealth, she couldn't help but feel a little inadequate.

"Are you ok?" João asked softly. She looked up, offering him a hesitant smile.

"Mhm. It's just — there's a lot of rich people here, you know?" she chuckled nervously. The last thing Esperanza wanted, in this room with all its self-made millions, was seem like a phoney — hanging off the arm of a famous footballer, letting his own hard-earned money go to waste without paying back a single penny. It was as if João could tell exactly what she was thinking the instant her smile fell. In hindsight, he probably should have realised she might feel a little out of her depth in a place like this. It was lucky his attempt to make the night a little more romantic (and away from prying eyes) had coincidentally catered for that problem as well.

"Don't worry, we're not eating here." João reassured her, "I booked a table in one of the private suites upstairs. It'll be much quieter there."

Esperanza felt her heart grow strangely light as she looked up at him. She let out a sigh, somewhere between reprimanding (she had told him after all that she didn't want him paying any more expense on her than he had to) and awe-struck astonishment. No one had ever done something like this for her before.

"João..." Esperanza huffed out a short breath, "You really didn't have to do that –"

"But I wanted to." he countered. She looked up at him, her frown softening into a faint smile. She didn't recognise the fluttering feeling in her stomach. It was completely unfamiliar, yet she felt as though she knew it at the same time. Either way, whatever it was, Esperanza found she didn't mind it in the slightest. She was known sometimes for running away from the unknown — but this time, she didn't feel like running.

A waiter dressed in a black waistcoat and bow tie appeared beside them next, breaking them out of whatever trance had descended upon them. He smiled brightly: the kind of smile that was trained and put on when the job required it, but it didn't seem completely ingenuine, "Good evening, sir and madam." he spoke in a rich Italian accent, "Do you have a reservation?"

"Uh, yes." João nodded, "It's under Félix."

"Ah!" the waiter's eyes widened in realisation, "Mr Félix! Yes, your table has just finished being prepared." he smiled widely again, gaze flickering between João and Esperanza and then back, "Please, follow me. Right this way."

He set off walking towards the back of the restaurant. They followed closely behind him. A dark oak staircase spiralled upwards to the first floor, its banisters, like the walls and doors, framed with gold leaf. Esperanza glanced around nervously, feeling as if every person seated at each of the tables in the room was watching her; judging her. She rubbed her arms self-consciously. If João noticed, he didn't make any mention of it — not until, as they reached the bottom of the staircase, he slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her in close to his side. Esperanza looked down, dazed, at his hand where it now rested on her hip. She began to feel a little faint.

The waiter left them with a smile, seated at their table to attend to some other guests. The 'booth', as João had described it, was more like their own little private room, situated next to the huge window (it could have been a glass wall, that was how big it was), overlooking the bustling commercial street below. Jazz music, and the gentle hum of chatter from some guests across the other side of the floor were the only sounds to be heard. Esperanza shuffled around in her seat, trying to take as much in of the experience as she could. If her thirteen year old self had described what her ideal date would have been like, it was something pretty similar to this. She didn't know whether it was just the setting, or something else, but the romance was so real it could almost have been tangible.

João struggled to tell by Esperanza's expression if she was impressed or a few short seconds away from running off and leaving him at that table all alone. He worried he may have gone a little bit over the top — should he have opted for something more low-key? What was acceptable for a first date anyway? It was then that João began to wish he had asked one of his friends for advice. At least then he wouldn't have felt like he was going into this completely blind.

They struggled, painfully shyly at first, through some small talk until the waiter returned with a bottle of wine to share between them. Esperanza could tell just from the label that that one bottle was probably more expensive than she would ever be willing to pay for an entire meal, let alone a single beverage. She wanted to protest against João spending so much on her, but she also didn't want to annoy him by bringing it up again. Esperanza opted instead to simply stay quiet and take a sip of her drink. Her eyes widened the moment the liquid touched her lips.

"Oh, wow." she murmured involuntarily. João looked up, cracking a smile as he saw her gazing appreciatively at the wine glass in her hands.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

Esperanza nodded enthusiastically, "It's very good."

"I thought you might like it." João smirked proudly, lifting his own glass to his lips to take a sip of the wine. Her eyes narrowed in thought.

"It's one of my favourites." he explained, "I asked for some when I booked the table."

"You've got good taste." Esperanza replied. Finally, the nervous tension in her shoulders began to ease, and she sat back in her chair, regarding João with a curious smile.

The young man arched an eyebrow, "You think?"

"Definitely."

It wasn't long before the waiter returned again to take their orders. João asked for the restaurant's slightly-more-authentic-than-the-regular spaghetti bolognese (although Esperanza still teased him afterwards for making such a basic choice), whilst she ordered the ricotta agnolotti. As she explained to João briefly once they were alone again, her mother had often made her the same dish when she was younger.

"You know how some people say Argentina is like Italy in South America?" João chuckled slightly, "You're kind of making me agree with them."

"Just because my mom likes to cook Italian food?" Esperanza arched an eyebrow in amusement. The young man shrugged.

"You sound a bit Italian when you speak Spanish, too." he went on, "Your voice sort of goes up and down."

"It does?" she pulled a face, "I never noticed."

João smiled to himself. He looked down at the table, eyes dropping away from her intense gaze. After a moment, he glanced back up, the small smile he had been wearing transforming into a barely noticeable smirk — but Esperanza noticed.

"I like it." he spoke, "It's cute."

She wasn't quite sure what to say to that. João seemed innocent enough, even with the glint she could see in his eyes and the still lingering hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Luckily, not a moment later, their food arrived. She hoped he would be too preoccupied with that to take note of her lack of response — or the pink blush dusting her cheeks. For a minute or two, they were quiet; but João didn't let it last much longer than that.

He wasn't really the kind of person who enjoyed talking about himself — it made him feel weird and self-centred. He was much more of a listener. Whenever he met someone new, João would find himself wondering about the little aspects of their lives that often went unnoticed, along with the bigger picture. He yearned for the kind of relationship that had no barriers; neither of secrets nor of trust. When he met someone who really interested him, he wanted to know everything about them.

Yet João hadn't felt that way about anyone in almost two years. Not since he and his ex girlfriend separated. Esperanza was the first person who made him want to be vulnerable again, to share things about himself that only his family and close friends really knew. Perhaps it was because she seemed to feel the same way. At first she had apologised for talking too much, as she put it, but now, as they tucked into their food, she would answer any of his questions without hesitation. He loved listening to her talk so passionately about herself, even if it seemed like the most mundane of things. João didn't need to say anything; he was perfectly happy just letting her talk.

But equally, Esperanza could be a listener rather than a talker when she met someone who intrigued her. It didn't take long for her to notice that she was doing most of the speaking, and he asking all the questions.

"So..." she began after a brief pause in their conversation, "How are you feeling after... you know..." Esperanza trailed off. She winced sympathetically as João let out a deep sigh.

"Frustrated." he answered honestly, "I was stupid. I just wanted to prove that I could make a difference, and I pushed it too far. Now I can't play for weeks." the young man shook his head in disappointment directed purely at himself. Esperanza watched him for a moment, debating with herself what she could possibly do to make him feel any better. Eventually, once she'd plucked up the courage, she reached out and placed her hand on the arm he held braced against the table. João's head shot up.

"People will see what you can do. I know it." Esperanza spoke gently, "I may not be a football expert, but I'm not stupid. I can tell the difference between an average player and a player like... well... you." she flushed crimson, pulling her hand away from João's arm as a sudden wave of self-consciousness came over her. It was the way he looked at her. It made Esperanza nervous.

"I've actually started watching a couple of matches." she changed the subject quickly, hoping it was quick enough that he wouldn't catch on to her sudden nerves.

"Oh, yeah?" João sat back in his seat, eyebrows raised.

"Yeah." she nodded, "I watched Manchester United and Manchester City city on Saturday... and I watched the Chelsea match on Sunday. I don't know any of the players in this league though, so I was a bit confused — but it was fun anyway. I kind of get why you're all so obsessed with it."

To tell the truth, in the past, Esperanza had found her family's (and the rest of Argentina's) fixation with all things football a little bit annoying. She appreciated the national pride aspect when it came to the likes of Messi and Maradona, but not so much the actual game. So pretty much the only time she ever watched it was when Messi was playing, either for Barcelona (she'd given up when he moved to PSG) or for Argentina's national team. The World Cup marked Esperanza's first discovery of her appreciation for football. There was nothing quite like a long-awaited opportunity for redemption on the pitch to bring a whole country together. Besides, it was difficult not to get caught up in the buzz of it all when everyone she knew could talk about nothing other than the World Cup. Esperanza genuinely enjoyed it.

She thought now that maybe, if she didn't have to study so much for her finals, she might have started watching some league football again. It was a good, mindless distraction from the stress of exams, especially considering she was a neutral when it came to the Premier League. Esperanza felt no affiliation towards any one team. However — watching the Chelsea match on Sunday, she might have felt herself rooting for them to win just a little bit more than usual. She knew that João wasn't playing of course, but that still didn't stop her from secretly hoping his team would do well (even if he was only on loan). Who knew what it would be like when she actually watched him play?

"I don't know what I'd do without football." João sighed a little whimsically, "It's pretty much been my entire life since I was a kid. I can't imagine doing anything else."

Esperanza tilted her head to the side in curiosity, "Did you not go to school?" she asked.

"I did until I was sixteen, but I dropped out after that to focus on my career."

Esperanza whistled. It hit her then how vastly different their lives really were. She could never imagine making a decision like that at such a young age; a decision that could detrimentally affect his future if things didn't go to plan with football. She would only ever be able to imagine the kind of pressure that might put on a teenage boy. Something like that just wasn't part of her world — for Esperanza, the route of her life had only ever led her to now: university, and eventually, a stable, well-paying job. That was all she had ever asked for.

"What do you think you would have done if you couldn't play anymore?" she asked again after a moment of silence. João sat back in seat, furrowing his eyebrows in thought.

"I really don't know." he murmured, "I've never really had anything else."

In his youth, whenever anyone had asked him what he wanted to be when he was older, the answer had always been the same. João never really liked to stop to consider how differently his life could have turned out with only the slightest of changes; a tiny mistake here, another incomprehensible twist of fate there, and it all could have been over for him. He didn't suppose Esperanza had ever experienced that kind of uncertainty. She seemed to know exactly which direction her life was heading — and she certainly had the drive to make it where she wanted to be.

"Maybe that's a sign." the young woman shrugged, "You were just born to play football."

"Maybe I was." João nodded slowly. His eyes came to focus on her figure, slightly shrouded in shadow as the lights in the restaurant grew dimmer with the passing minutes.

"I wish I'd had that kind of certainty in my future when I was a kid." Esperanza went on. His eyebrows knitted together in surprise.

"You didn't?"

"Oh, God no." she laughed, "I had a really tough time trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I almost didn't make it into UCL because I put my application in so much later than everyone else. I was still trying to decide, right up until the deadline."

"Really?" João sat forward in intrigue, "I don't know why... I kind of assumed you're one of those super driven people who knew what they wanted to be pretty much from day one..." he trailed off as Esperanza shook her head, smiling wryly, "What would you have done instead then?"

"Well, I was debating whether to study art at university." she began.

"That makes sense." João's smile made her pause, "You're very good at it."

"Thank you." Esperanza flushed slightly at his compliment, "I actually got into SAIC in Chicago to study Fine Art before I decided to apply for UCL. It was a really difficult decision — I never knew if I was doing the right thing, I just had to sort of hope that it would work out."

"And did it?" João asked.

"I think so. I've met some amazing people at UCL, and I really do love my course. Plus, London has kind of become my second home now. I'm going to miss it when I graduate."

Studying at UCL had also meant meeting João; but Esperanza thought it may have been a little soon to tell him she was beginning to consider that as one of the benefits of her decision. She decided to stay quiet about that one.

They lapsed into comfortable silence. João was deep in thought as he finished off the last of his meal. He thought back to what she'd said earlier... People will see what you can do. I know it. His chest had flared up with that familiar, kind of terrifying warmth when those words left her lips. Esperanza seemed to have more faith in him than he did, even though she'd barely known him for more than a week. It felt good to be believed in, but it felt even better that she was the one believing in him. For whatever reason, whether it was that he had feelings for her (proper ones, not just the fleeting crush-type), João already wanted Esperanza to think highly of him. He wanted to chase that warm sensation in his chest. It made him feel good. For the first time in a long time, he felt seen.

When she pushed her now empty plate away from her, placing her knife and fork side by side on the ceramic surface, João opened his mouth to ask her another question. But just as soon as he began to speak the words, Esperanza cut him off quickly.

"No. No more questions." she shook her head, "I've done enough talking about myself for one night. Now you talk."

João's mouth snapped shut. His lips formed into a small pout, which only made her giggle in light breaths that were as sweet to his ears as his favourite song.

"But I don't like talking about myself," he complained, "I'd rather talk about you — get to know you."

"Getting to know someone goes both ways, João." Esperanza retorted with raised eyebrows, "I feel like I've told you so much about me, and I still barely know anything about you... the real you, not what it says on your Wikipedia page." she added, rolling her eyes.

João couldn't conceal the smirk that crept its way onto his face at that, "Did you look me up?" he asked her. Esperanza froze for a moment, realising suddenly that she'd been caught out. Her cheeks flushed bright red, the brightest they had been all night, and her eyes dropped to fix on the empty plate in front of her.

"I might have done." she admitted. João tipped his head back, letting out a soft chuckle. Her gaze still didn't lift back up to meet his, but she she groaned half-playfully back at him as his laughter grew louder. He couldn't help it — Esperanza's pink cheeks, her suddenly flustered appearance, and the smile she didn't seem to be able to banish despite her embarrassment, all served as nothing but yet more things that made him like her even more. She was adorably shy, but at the same time, João knew she could be anything but. He wondered if it was just him that made her that way. He hoped it was.

Esperanza's embarrassment soon melted away, and she was giggling away with João's soft chuckles before too long. She still couldn't meet his eyes, though. Something about them made her fear that she might get too lost, too caught up in the moment; and that made her feel vulnerable. Esperanza was almost positive at this point that whatever it was she felt for him was at least somewhat reciprocated (she couldn't be certain of completely, so she'd have to settle for somewhat for now). However, that did little to ease the churning nerves inside her stomach. It was more than butterflies — it was as if an entire menagerie had been set loose to rampage around her insides. Esperanza could be pretty sure of the fact now; she'd never felt that before.

"Why do you do that?" João questioned as they both finally fell silent again, in perfectly unrehearsed unison. She tilted her head to the side, confused.

"Do what?"

"Look away from me when you laugh." he elaborated, "I'm looking at you, but you won't look back at me. Why do you do it?"

Infuriatingly, Esperanza felt her cheeks heat up again. She'd done enough blushing just tonight to last her an entire lifetime.

"I don't know..." she sighed deeply. She did know. It was because he was nothing short of beautiful. Esperanza didn't think she'd ever met someone quite as flawless as João Félix was, whether he knew that or not. She figured he should have done, but it always seemed to be the most striking people who never realised how other people saw them. Esperanza was not usually a shy person — quite the opposite; she'd been described by her family and friends as loudmouth on more than a few occasions — yet João somehow managed to reduce her to a flustered, blushing mess simply by looking at her.

"You make me nervous." Esperanza admitted finally. She took his words on board this time, fighting against her natural instincts to raise her head from the table and meet his gaze. He watched on, expectant, wide eyed, "It's a bit annoying actually. I never normally struggle to talk to people. I'm pretty extroverted... but I get really nervous around you. I never know what to say."

It was João's turn to look away this time. He smirked, now almost one hundred percent sure that his worries about Esperanza not feeling the same way about him as he felt about her were completely stupid. Still, he hadn't expected her to admit that so openly, without a semblance of hesitation. To João's dismay, he felt his cheeks begin to heat up with a crimson blush that flared across his face, much like how it had appeared on Esperanza's.

"Does that mean you like me?" he asked finally, half holding his breath as he blurted the words out. It had always been his intention to tell her exactly how he felt tonight. João didn't want to be the kind of guy that was so hesitant he ended up losing the girl he wanted because he'd left it too long to tell her. While it was true that he'd wanted to get to know Esperanza first (and wasn't that what first dates were for, anyway?), João was emotionally mature enough now, at twenty three years of age, to recognise that he had feelings for her - strong enough feelings to want to see if they could become something more than just neighbours or friends. Even if they'd only actually spoken a handful of times, that much was fairly obvious to him. He wasn't about to beat around the bush if he thought he had a shot.

Miraculously, Esperanza managed to fight off the blush creeping onto her face this time. Perhaps that had something to do with the way her eyes rolled involuntarily — as if it wasn't obvious enough that she liked him.

"What do you think, João?" the young woman muttered with a half-smile. She watched him, deciding to take on board his earlier comment about struggling to hold eye contact; watched the way his own eyes seemed to search hers for confirmation. He'd appeared so sure of himself before. Esperanza wondered if he was secretly just as hesitant as she was. Maybe they both needed the same thing: a hint of reassurance. She did her best to show him exactly that in her eyes as he continued to search them. Then at last, João seemed to understand.

"For the record, I like you too." he added, breaking the thick silence that had fallen between them, "I really want to get to know you better, if you'll let me."

Esperanza stifled a grin, "I'd love that." she spoke gently, "We'll have to do this again sometime."

João agreed without hesitation. Normally, he'd be worried about appearing too eager, but right now, he didn't see much point in pretending he wasn't already thinking about their possible future dates in his head. He figured from Esperanza's dazed smile that she was doing the same.

They left the restaurant almost an hour later after sharing a dessert and paying the bill, being sure to leave the nice waiter a decent tip along with it. João's arm wrapped around Esperanza's shoulders, much like it had lay around her waist on the way up, as they walked out of the main doors. She smiled giddily into her shoulder. There was nothing quite like the feeling of sparks being left on her skin by his touch. She'd never experienced anything quite like it before.

João led her down the street towards where he'd parked his car; the hand which had now moved from her shoulder to her waist never once wavering. Only when they were sat down and he was starting the engine did he move it. Esperanza bit her lip to try and control the excitement she could feel bubbling up in her stomach. Out of all the scenarios she'd been imagining might play out tonight (both the good and the bad), this was by far the best one. João was the perfect gentleman: opening the car door for her, offering his arm to help her out, even waiting for her to step inside the elevator before he followed. It felt like nothing short of a dream — the kind of thing that only ever happened in books, where no one seemed to have any flaws. Esperanza had given up hiding her smile by the time they reached her apartment. Besides — João's was mirroring it now.

"Thank you for tonight." she whispered to him in the darkness, "I had a really good time."

"Me too." he murmured back. He had insisted on walking her to her to apartment door, even though his own apartment was on the other side of the lift, so he'd have to turn and walk back again once she was inside. Esperanza's heart could have melted at how eager he was to walk with her. Even when she'd told him she could make it back perfectly fine on her own, he'd waved the idea away in an instant. It was (for lack of a better word) adorable.

"I meant what I said earlier." João went on, sounding breathless all of a sudden, almost like he'd forgotten how to breathe properly, "I know we haven't known each other long, but I like you a lot."

Esperanza's eyes flickered to the ground and back up again, giving her a few all-important milliseconds to compose herself. She was growing breathless too. The hallway suddenly felt a lot smaller than it had been walking through; and the space between their bodies seemed to have reduced to mere inches without her realising.

"I really like you too." she whispered. Esperanza didn't think she was imagining it now — João had definitely stepped closer when she was too busy admiring him, and now he was so close she could see the little golden flecks in his eyes. The air was thick, filled with promise. She didn't know what he was going to do — she had her hopes, but João was leaving her none the wiser, as his gaze flickered to the ground and back up again.

He looked nervous.

The tension only grew the longer the words he wanted to say remained stuck in his throat. With parted lips, he could do nothing but stare for a moment, utterly transfixed. Call him shallow, but João was having a hard time thinking about anything other than how pretty she was; Esperanza seemed, to him, to have not a single flaw, neither in her outward or inner appearance. He could have searched for hours and hours, but he wouldn't have found so much as a blemish.

She gazed up at him with wide brown eyes, waiting, expecting. João watched the way her red-stained lips parted ever-so-slightly, caught in a daze as he found his body moving closer and closer towards hers, like there was some kind of invisible string pulling him in. Esperanza's unsteady breaths tickled his chin. He could see her glancing at his lips, even if she tried to play it off by refocussing on his eyes a second later: they always returned to his lips.

He'd left her with a kiss the last time they met. Why break the streak?

"Can I kiss you?" João whispered into the thick silence. It had grown darker in the hallway now, and the only light illuminating Esperanza's face came from a singular overhead lamp which had been left on outside the elevator. Somehow, in the dim glow, she looked even more beautiful. His heart raced inside his chest, beating in such a frenzy he wondered how she couldn't hear it. If he'd asked her, she would have said it was because of her own heart — there was no way she could have heard his over its hammering.

Esperanza hadn't the breath left in her lungs to offer a verbal reply. She just about managed to nod, letting out a slightly choked hum which she hoped he would realise translated to a definite yes. It was all she wanted — a sweet, romantic moment to end what had already been one of the best nights of her life. And João's lips looked soft. She'd been longing to know what they would feel like against hers since the moment he turned up at her apartment door.

The young man exhaled. Then, in one swift movement, he inched forward and kissed her.

Esperanza's eyes fluttered shut.

It wasn't heated or rushed, or filled with burning desperation. It was soft. João's lips moved slowly against hers, filling the pit of her stomach with a warm, tingly sensation: the kind of warmth you would feel holding your hand over a dying candle wick. There was passion in it too. The kiss didn't need to be all teeth and tongue for that. Even something so comparatively chaste was packed with so much desire, neither of them wanted it to end. But only a few seconds later, it did. João drew back, breathing a little heavier than before, cheeks flushed pink and lips turning up at the corners, to look Esperanza in the eye.

She felt as though her world had been turned upside down.

João Félix made her feel things not even two years of dating had been able to evoke in her, and all it took was one simple kiss. That scared her a little, if she was being honest — but she couldn't get over how good, how intoxicating his lips felt against hers, even for only those short few seconds. It was euphoric. Esperanza needed more.

So without a second thought, she brought her hand to rest on the back of João's neck, and pulled him down until their lips met again. He smiled into the kiss — she could feel him against her mouth. It was impossible not to reciprocate it, even while locked in an embrace which grew steadily more passionate, more unrestrained as the seconds wore on. João's tongue teased her bottom lip, probing for entrance. Esperanza would have freely let him; but she was aware now that the buzz inside of her was not just due to her company. João's wine was having more of an effect on her than she'd first realised.

They pulled away for the second time, breath mingling, with shared smiles painted across both their faces. He pressed his forehead against hers, holding it there for one second, two seconds, before he drew back to study her. She looked just as dazed as he felt. He could have kissed her again.

"Wow." he chuckled breathlessly. Esperanza looked down for a split second, letting out the softest of giggles. It had to be one of the sweetest sounds he had ever heard.

"Wow indeed." she replied.

There was a pause. They were still mere inches apart, face to face, the only space between them opening up when João took a reluctant step back. He was still smiling even as he resigned himself to walking away (though the only thing he wanted was to be as close to her as possible). Esperanza didn't think she could have kept a straight face if she tried. So there they were; slightly intoxicated, utterly enamoured, grinning at each other like idiots. It took a minute for it to hit them. When it did, they couldn't help but laugh, in hushed, secretive tones — not just because they'd run the risk of waking up Mrs Davies otherwise, but because this moment was theirs. Only theirs.

"Can I see you again soon?" João blurted out suddenly. His eyes grew wide with hope as they looked down at her, silently repeating the question.

"You can see me whenever you want, João." Esperanza arched an eyebrow, "We live in the same apartment block."

He breathed a sigh, feigning exasperation, "You know what I mean."

She did. João didn't want to just see her around again. He'd quickly grown tired of the rushed hello's in the morning and the waves from across the street — fleeting moments, gone too quickly for them to mean anything. He wanted to see her as in take her out on impromptu dates; walk her to the train station in the morning; even just sit in the silence of her apartment and watch as she painted. He wanted to experience the little aspects of her life. In his mind, that was the best way of truly getting to know someone. Then they could see where that took them.

João wasn't ready for a serious relationship. Not yet, anyway. Though it had been two years, he was still bruised and battered from the way his ex-girlfriend had left him. He was still damaged. But his feelings for Esperanza were real and already strong, and he knew they wouldn't be going away anytime soon. In time, he could see himself letting down the fortifications he'd built two years ago for her. Maybe she would end up being the exactly the person he needed to heal him.

For now though, João wanted to take things slow. Coffee dates and evening walks through the city, hand-in-hand — that kind of thing. It was everything he had missed out on with his previous girlfriend. He'd experienced the brief, burning passion of a relationship taken too quickly: fixated around wild, grand gestures of affection, their image as perceived by the watchful eye of the public, and sex. João wasn't about to make the same mistake twice — not with a girl who was this perfect. He hadn't a clue how he'd managed to win Esperanza over at all (let alone with how quickly it had all happened). Losing her now in the same manner he'd lost his ex-girlfriend could well have turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Even if if they both came to realise in a couple of weeks that they just weren't compatible, João didn't dare take such a risk.

"Like I said," Esperanza murmured lowly, looking up at him through her long, dark eyelashes, "You can see me whenever you want."

He didn't doubt what that meant. She was as open to this... whatever it ended up being... as he was.

João smiled contentedly to himself.

He began to walk away, whispering a soft goodnight into the now almost full darkness. Esperanza's hand had closed around the door-handle. He heard it twist with a quiet squeaking sound. But just as his back was half turned, her voice calling him, asking him to wait, froze him in position once more.

"Do you want to come inside for a bit?" Esperanza asked, biting her lip nervously, "We could watch a movie or something."

She wasn't quite ready for the night to be over yet. If she let him leave now, she'd simply end up lying awake in bed until the early hours of the morning, consumed by the memories of tonight and the idea of ones they might make in the future. Esperanza would much rather stay awake, preferably with him, that torture herself with made-up scenarios that may never even come to pass.

João smiled. He knew he probably should have gone back to his own apartment to rest. He had training in the morning, after all: but he simply couldn't refuse her. Even if he had wanted to, her big brown eyes gazing up at him, shining in the half-light, made disappointing her next to impossible. Besides, he wasn't quite ready for the night to be over anyway. Chances were, if he left know, he'd only keep himself awake for hours thinking about her.

The moment she saw João's silhouette nodding in acceptance, Esperanza was ushering him through her apartment door. He bit back a chuckle, but, as the theme seemed to be tonight, he could do little to hide the wide smile creeping its way onto his face. It was a good thing Esperanza seemed to be fighting the same futile battle. With the door to her apartment pressed firmly shut, she spun around to face him, wearing a grin that was nothing short of radiant. It left João speechless. He barely even heard what she began to say next as she switched on her TV and opened Netflix.

"So what do you want to watch? I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for Dirty Dancing..."

BONUS!

liked by @millie_vallejos_ @doutzzaalsburg and 45 others

anziicabrera 🖤

[ view comments ]

…

millie_vallejos_ good luckkk 😉

doutzzaalsburg Don’t forget to use protection! 😁😁

⤷ anziicabrera i hate you

mateocabrera 🤨

#joao felix #joao felix fic #joao felix imagine #joao felix x oc #chelsea fc #football #football imagines #football fic #joao felix x fem!oc #sliding doors

[greatcheshire]

I'm pretty sure I'm transgender but I haven't come out to anyone irl because I live in a really conservative small town and no one would respect my identity if I did. I don't have a lot of things going for me and I feel like coming out would just make things much harder for me then they already are, but it makes me sad that I can't be myself. Do you have any advice?

I know how hard that can be. I was in a similar place, though not a small town, just a very conservative area with a really conservative family. I had to hide a lot of who I was for a while out of fear of how I would be treated. Obviously you know your own safety and circumstances better than anyone, and I’d hate to give you advice that could put you at risk or in an uncomfortable situation. That being said, here are some things I did back when I didn’t feel safe

Set up online accounts and alts using preferred name and pronouns. This was important as it gives some form of socialization that’s removed enough from your real life to put yourself at risk

Have some form of gender affirming clothing you can keep a secret in your residence to either wear when you’re home or discreetly in public, even something as simple as changing the body type of t-shirts or jeans

See if there’s any support groups or meet ups in the area. This one might be a shot in the dark and unlikely depending on how small the small town is, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there were other LGBTQ people there also in similar positions.

This is a dumb one, but assuming it’s safe for you to do so, get packages or things delivered to you in your preferred name. It’s not something anyone really checks for or makes a big deal out of and it makes things feel more real.

In general, it’s all about finding small ways you can get some form of experimentation or possible gender euphoria without it being a whole thing.

As for the fears of coming out, I totally get that. I also worried about it making my life harder. And in some ways, it has complicated things. But at the same time, the happiness it brought me is worth any sort of potential hardships. And while it has been rough, it honestly got a lot easier once I was out and people generally responded better than my anxious brain expected. Like I said, though, you know your situation better than I ever could though, and you know what will be safe and comfortable. But also if you do ever find the opportunity to come out, it may be scary and it may be hard, but it won’t be the end of the world and you’ll be opening yourself up to support and community and a strong sense of self. Best of luck to you <3

[snowwolflover]

A deal is a deal

Part 4

We sat down for our meal and looked around the menu for a few minutes. "Is ok if I get the burger and fries" Graces asks. "You can get anything you want sweetie, it's fine" I laughed. when the waiter came over I looked over to Grace and told her to go ahead and order. "Can I get the cheese burger and some fries please, and a lemonade to drink please." the waiter says yes and wrights it all down and turns to me but then Grace Blurts out "And a chocolate shake too... Please" I laughed, "would you like anything else hun?" Grace blushed and shook her head no. I order a burger and fries as well and the waiter left. "Don't be shy Gracie you can have what every you want to eat it's fine." I tell her and she perks up. We get back in to small talk and she tells me about the kids she nanny's for, There are 4 of them.

Michelle is the youngest baby, She's just about a year old right now. Next was Catherine, or Kit Kat as they call her. She just turned 2 in February. The last 2 are twins Lisa and Sarah, They are 3 right now and are trying pull ups for potty training but it's going slow. There mother Miss Rae is a stay at home mother but does so work online for extra money. selling clothes and things she makes on Etsy and Amazon. Grace helps give her some time to rest and get work done with the kids around and helps keep the house clean too. The more she talked about everything the more interested I got. my passion for children is what drove me to study early childhood development and Psychology. I want to work with kids and watch them grow. someday I hope to have a family like that of my own.

We finished the meal we were having and we're about ready to go and then Grace looked up "I need to use the bathroom really fast and I need my clothes from the car so I can change, I can't work like this it wouldn't be appropriate." "Ok sweetie, well why don't you go to the bathroom and I'll go get your clothes and meet you back there?" I suggested. She was dancing in her sit by this point so she shook her head yes and ran to the bathroom in the back. I went up and paid the bill and then walked out to the car and grabbed the clothes she had in the diaper bag earlier. It was a pair of jeans a t shirt and a sports bra. I tucked them on a small back and then looked back again and grabbed the new paw patrol panties I had got her and loaded them in there too. I made my way to the bathroom and knocked on the single use door waiting for her to open the door. after a moment she opened the door a little and stuck her hand out, I gently pushed the door and little and she let it open and I walked in and closed the door behind me. "Girls share a bathroom all the time, No big deal" I tell her. I handed her the bag and told her to go ahead and change while I wash my hands from lunch. She set the bag down on a fold down changing table on the wall and switch her top and bra first, The she took of her skirt and put it in there and grabbed the jeans out. As she was about to step in to them I turned and looked at her. "No No. panties too" I called to her. She stopped and looked confused. "You should be wearing that tiny G string went your with the kids, you said it yourself you need to dress more appropriate for work. Those little sluty panties you have on are not it. Change them" I said with a parent tone. With out any hesitation she put the jeans down and took of her panties, she dug in the bag to find the other ones I put in there for a moment. I walked over to her and patted her naked bottom and looked in the bag. "I reached in and found them buried by her old clothes and pulled out the panties. she slid the cute little ones up her body and even posed for me with a laugh. Then I handed her the jeans and she put those on too. we finished up and walked back to the car.

She gave me directions to the house and we drove over. It was a very nice neighborhooh, with very large houses. She should me which one was the house and we pulled up. when we pulled up we saw Miss Rae out front watering the plants and she wave at us. Grace got out and walked to the back of the car and I put the car in park and joined her to help get the bags sorted out. We each grabbed some bags for the house and I told Grace I would help her carry them up to the door. She didn't seem to.mind that so we walked up and said Hi to Miss Rae as we went in. She was just finishing watering the plants and followed us inside. "Hello Grace, who's your friend here" Mis Rae asking very politey. " Good evening Miss Rae, This is Tiffany. She is my... um". I see her unsure what to say so interject "I'm her sorority sister, We are called big sisters to the newer members of are sorority." Miss Rae gets a big smile "I love my sorority sister, we still talk all the time and My big sister was my bridesmaid at my wedding. That's so great, and I love your dress too. So lady like." she says. "would you care to stay for a drink or do you need to run? " Miss Rae invites me. Grace looked kind of nervous like I would tell on her or something so I reached over and gave her a hug and said "Grace why do you go check on the children and yes I would be happy to stay for a little while, Thank you." Grace took that chance and ran upstairs to go check on all the kids, Miss Rae pulled out a small pitcher and made up some margaritas in in for us and then we sat down out on the back patio which had a great very to enjoy our drinks.

We sat and talked about all kinds of things. She asked what I was studying and where I was from and I asked what she went to school for and what she did after. It was a very nice conversation. We had a great talk and she invited me to come by anytime I was free if I wanted to. She said she had extended the same offer to Grace to come by and use the amenities any she would like although she rarely took advantage of that, as she laughed. As we were coming to the end of our talk when Grace came over, "I'm sorry to interrupt lady's, Miss Rae I'm to get the kids dinner started in a few minutes. Is there anything you need from me tonight?" "Oh no sweetie, nothing special tonight. Kit Kat has a bit of an upset tummy so make sure she has something easy for dinner. Thank you Grace" Miss Rae tells her. I stand up and tell them both it's time for me to head out. I reach out to shake Miss Rae's hand but she opens her arms for a hug instead. I give her a hug and then give Grace one too. "Gracie, if you need a ride home later call me and I'll come get you ok? have a good night" I gave her a kiss on the cheek and a hug and head to the car. As I pull away I text Kat

Me: Hey I'm heading back to the house, do you want a ride home?

Kat: Ya that would be great. I'm off now but I was looking around at the store before I headed that way.

Me: No problem, I'll swing in and grab you.

I swing by the grocery store and pick Kat up. As she's loading her bags in she notices all the other bags. "Wow you got a lot here today?" she says. I smiled and said "it's not all mine, I took Grace on a bit of a shopping trip today so some of the cloths and groceries are hers" Kat reached over and pulled up one of the pull ups I had in the bag from earlier and laughed and said "I can see that". "God stop being mean" I laughed back. "You know I'm only kidding about it... she was cute though wasn't see" Kat added. I just smiled and closed the truck and got back in. Kat and I headed home and unloaded everything. I put all the main groceries away in the kitchen and some snack in my room.Then I took the clothes and snacks I got for Grace and took them to her room. I hung up and put away the clothes I got her and put the snacks she got with the others she already had. Then I took the bag of pull ups I had set aside. I took a few out of the bag and tucked the bag in her closet. I'll just let her know there are extras for her to refill the bag with if she needs to when she's not at Miss Rae's house. I took the extras I pulled out back to my room and tucked them away, Just Incase.

once I was done with that I went to Kats room to talk to her. "So when we were out today I talked to Gracie more. She reminded me that her big sister from pleag last year was Lori, and now that Lori is gone she doesn't have one." Kat stopped and looked at me "Ok, that happens all the time. your only required to have a big sister your first year?" she says. "Ya I know it does, but I also lost my little sister when Jessica dropped out last semester.." I continued. "Oh God... you wanna adopt her don't you? Kat smirked. "Shut up" I said. "She needs some support and it would work well. I mean I could... No WE could help make a difference for her?" I added. "God you do and you are dragging me in to? You know you can't save everyone, right? " she laughed. I gave her a knowing look but when she looked back in my eye she knew... "Ok, Ok. I'll support it. we have to get Flora to be ok with it too so we need to meet with her." Kat says in a more serious tone. "Well that's not all" I added. "I'm going to share a room with her." Kat dropped her head in to her hands, from beneath her hands I heard her say "You no big sister and little sister don't have to, or even normally share rooms" "Ya I know but she wants to and we'll so do I." I say with confidence. "I'll get Flora and the other to be ok with it." Kat shacks her head at me and finished the talk by says "Fine, you know I'm with you for anything, now be with me. I'm hungry let's go to the kitchen" we both head down stairs. On the way down stairs I sent a text to Flora asking if I can meet with her tomorrow. She replied quickly and said Yes we can and that she wanted to talk with me about a few things too.

[imaginative-123]

Lightning McQueen 2006

So here is my first Tumblr post in the Cars fandom

So for the sake of accuracy I decided to do research on what human McQueen would look like in 2006 since that's the year Cars was released and the setting it was in so I looked at humanization fanarts in the fandom and I decided to do my own version but not out of disrespect but try to do it on my own. So McQueen's voice actor is Owen Wilson so I decided to based it on his appearance in 2006 and I settled for naturally blonde-haired since too much golden hair or bleach blonde hair for me doesn't fit in his red color palette suit and red hair is overdone with the same red color suit and the color brunette hair doesn't fit well either. And since McQueen is confirmed by Cars 3 director to be born in 1977, which makes him 29 years old in 2006 I decided to make him an older adult except he's still looks young just liek how Owen Wilson looked back in 2006 rather than make him a teenager or a twink whatever but it depends.

So for the sake of using realism x cartoon or semi-realism as it's called I want to based it on Pixar male models like the Incredibles of 2004 before Cars was released a year later.

This is my sketch before it was digtitalized a few months ago

But I found out the style may not be so appealing so sorry for the sake of innacuracy I decided to go to the most common male models of other styles semi realistic characters from 2010's Pixar movies outside of the Incredibles, like Inside Out and I finally settled to use the main character model as my inspiration is Andy Davis from Toy Story 3

As for the racing outfits I decided to research what were the outfits were used in 2006 NASCAR so I just so happend to find this outfit that is almost similar to McQueen's color pallete that is mainly red so I decided to used him as my reference model as for designing McQueen, and the inside of his suit was a white t-shirt with a number 66 which is foreshadowing of his crashing inthe town of Radiator Springs of Route 66

As for the decals I based it on stickers online and Idecided to edit them on McQueen's racing gear based on each sides of the sentient car himself

His helmet is based on Owen Wilson's holding Lightning McQueen helemet

Although the only exception was that it was replaced with Lightning Bolt bec that helmet is Cars 3 hemet since the 2006 version of the first movie I've researched doesn't exist

As for the Cars is really complicated since McQueen based on his description from every wikipedia on his models was a variety was "Lightning's design was inspired by NASCAR stock cars, and a more curvaceous Plymouth Superbird, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona, and with some slight cues from the Ford GT40, Lola, and Porsche 911."

But since he may also be based on a Corvette and fro mthe lyrics of Real Gone it was said "I'm American made, Bud Light, Chevrolet", meaning it was possibly confirmed he was a Chevrolet Corvette and based on othe reasearch and the artists that modeled him While McQueen is not modeled directly after a specific make and model, the artists mixed and matched elements of the Chevrolet Corvette C6 and Corvette C1.

So I did some research and it was hard to find one until I settled in Chevrolet Corvette C6R from 2005 since it was possibly the only one that is accurate to the design in McQueen for the most part and since I noticed McQueen's front face is chubby and it looks kinda accurate from the pic I got that I based it on the right car

Since I can't upload up to 10 images the last comment below from my Deviant art post was there is an image there that also explained the details, also here's the link from the car I'm talking about

So here's my design of Human McQueen and I might post for more of my Humanized Cars designs with history, details and inspirations. Thanks for reading!

#pixar cars #cars fandom #humanized cars #lightning mcqueen #pixar cars fanart

[adventures-in-marketing]

Discover the Untapped Potential of Facebook Messenger Marketing

Whatever you want to sell online, whether you’re an affiliate marketer, whether you sell t-shirts, whether you sell software, whether you sell coaching and courses, Facebook Messenger Marketing is the incredibly powerful tool you have been looking for to turn social media browsers into buyers.

Do I Need a Website?

So I have been asked this question a few times over the last week or so, from people looking to start generating some revenue online, people looking to get started in affiliate marketing- can they get started, can they make money online without building a website? And the answer to that is yes, they can if they utilise the power of Facebook Messenger Marketing. And so I thought I would share with you what that might look like.

So chatbot marketing and Facebook Messenger marketing in particular have so many benefits. From automating your messaging sequences to the incredible power of responding to your audiences comments with private replies, these tools will empower you to interact with your friends and followers like never before. And, most importantly perhaps, sell more stuff! So, whether you’re a seasoned online marketer or just starting out promoting your first affiliate product, let’s jump in.

The Rise of Facebook Messenger Marketing

It was not so long ago that Facebook Messenger was just a casual chatting platform, a place to catch up with friends and family. But that casual chatting format is exactly why it lends itself to the kind of sales and marketing I’m gonna talk to you about, allowing you to build a much more personal relationship with your active users. And, even if you are continuing to use it as a place to chat with your friends, I am here to tell you that underneath Facebook Messenger has blossomed into an incredibly potent marketing tool.

So why is Messenger Marketing on the rise? Well, for starters, it offers a direct line of communication to your target audience! This unparalleled reach and (and this is what sets Facebook Messenger so far apart from other marketing channels) it’s interactivity empowers brands and entrepreneurs to connect with their customers on a personal level, delivering excellent customer service, building meaningful relationships and fostering incredible brand loyalty.

It also opens up the possibility of running click to Messenger Ads as part of our Facebook Ads strategy, taking ad respondents directly into the chat platform. This is an incredibly cost effective form of advertising on Facebook and Instagram that achieves an excellent response rate while keeping your marketing costs low.

How Can This Help My Business?

What does all of that mean to us as business owners trying to use digital marketing to build online businesses? It means Facebook messenger automations allow us to address all 3 of the ways we can build our business.

Any business whether online or in the real world only has 3 ways to grow. It can find new customers. It can sell more of what it already sold to it’s existing customers. It can sell something new to it’s existing customers. That’s it.

Facebook Messenger Marketing allows us to hit all 3 of those targets.

3 Ways to Grow Any Business

We serve number 1 with our content marketing, our social posts, whether they are organic posts or paid, that inspire our target audience to take action (i.e. leave us a comment on the post). This triggers a private reply inside Facebook Messenger leading to a sequence of messages that collects an email address and then funnels that potential customer through to a sale.

We serve number 2 by being able to upsell right there inside the messaging app. We guided them through to buy a t-shirt, our marketing strategy should then be to hit them with that 3 for 2 offer right before they checkout, right inside that sequence. Our average transaction value (the average amount we make from each customer) is now rising and our business is growing.

We serve number 3 by being able to follow up with our (now) messenger subscribers. The lifetime value of our customer increases as we make more offers over time. Maybe they want a hoodie to go with that t-shirt? Or, if they bought a messenger automation software from us to build their Messenger ChatBot, they’re going to need an email service provider too- I just happen to be an affiliate for such a service. The lifetime value of each customer is rising and so our business is growing too.

The Interactivity of Messenger Marketing

The interactivity of messenger allows us to gather more information about our potential customers as we go. We can ask questions in our sequences and save the answers, creating audience segments that give us the opportunity to tailor future messages based on the answers they give. This can inform our email marketing strategy too,

We can collect email addresses right inside the messenger chat- people can sign up to join our email list and receive our promotional messages without even leaving messenger. We can further augment our chat marketing with SMS marketing- collecting phone numbers inside the messenger platform and adding them to our SMS list. Now we have multiple ways to communicate with our prospective customers and multiple opportunities to sell to them.

Private Replies Mean More Reach

The private reply feature not only means we can engage with prospective buyers more easily and on autopilot, it also means we reach more people more easily. Without this function enabled your marketing campaigns involve sharing links and trying guide people away from the platform. Facebook actively fights against this (the algorithm will deprioritise these posts, i.e. show them to less people). They want to keep their audience on their platform as long as possible so they can show them more ads and make more money. Makes sense.

But with a Private Reply enabled we can send the link via the messaging platform. Now our CTA becomes “…leave a comment…” which Facebook recognises as engagement, the algorithm sees value in the post, it promotes it further and you reach more people, more people comment… and so it goes round. As a messenger marketing strategy, that is pretty cool, no?

All of this can be achieved through Instagram DMs too. Indeed my software tool, Sales Rails , enables you to automate these types of sequences in both these social media platforms, both Facebook Messenger and Instagram DMs.

So, That Website…?

So, that question I keep getting asked- can I generate revenue online without a website? Hopefully you have seen today how the whole thing can work inside Facebook Messenger. No need for a website. No images and links and SEO to manage. Just strong, succinct customer communication fostering strong customer relationships inside a casual chat format.

Conclusion

Facebook Messenger marketing should be in every digital marketer’s tool kit. You get more reach. That enables you to get more new customers and therefore an increase in sales. You build more brand loyalty. That enables you to achieve more upsells, raising your average transaction value. You learn more about your audience so you can send them more tailored offers in the future, increasing the lifetime value of every customer you sell to. There are only 3 ways to grow your online sales and Facebook Messenger marketing allows you to deliver all 3. And you can do it all without a website.

If you want to know more about Facebook messenger marketing, you can check out this post on my website:

#Facebook Messenger #Facebook Marketing #Social Media #Digital Marketing #social media marketing #content marketing #Youtube

[gillianthecat]

thanks for the tag @lelephantsnail. I feel honored; this is my first one of these!

NAME: it's not Gillian, but you can call me that if you want :-)

I will say that my real name reached it's peak of popularity as a baby name in the 1960s, which was several decades before I was born.

SIGN: one of the signs that's an animal. I feel that's vague enough to be non-identifying :-) I don't really follow astrology, but from what I do know I don't particularly fit the characteristics of my sign

HEIGHT: a little under 5'5. (I feel like a little kid "i am 6 and three quarters years old", but for some reason that extra 3/4 of an inch is important to me)

TIME: started this at 11:30 pm, don't know when I'll finish.

BIRTHDAY: i tend to treat it like a special day and am generally Aware that it's my birthday while it's happening. i don't particularly like a big celebration, but for many years I've had a tradition of taking a dance class on the day, no matter where I was (did this on a trip to London once!)

FAVOURITE ARTIST/BAND: oh god, this question always feels scary to me for some reason. I think I return to my adolescent self and worry about having the right, cool answer. I'm also terrible at picking favorites in general. I love a wide variety of music and admire musicians, but I don't tend to closely follow bands or artists.

LAST MOVIE: I've been watching tons of tv shows/drama series and very few movies. According to Netflix, the last movie I watched on there was Hail, Caesar! many months ago, which I watched with my dad. It was entertaining and silly, and felt more like a collection of vignettes rather than a movie with a plot.

Oh! I recently watched Lan Yu (藍宇), a 2001 openly queer Chinese movie, set in mainland China but made in Hong Kong. I found out about it through Tumblr user @/rongzhi who hosted a viewing party on discord. I recommend it, it's beautiful and sad, in the style of Wong Kar-wai. It's unfortunately really hard to find, the only online version I could dig up is one on youtube titled "new slime video again! totally not lan yu (藍宇) made in 2001." Hopefully it stays there, it's low resolution but good enough to be worth watching.

LAST SHOW: Last show I completed was The Devil Judge. I'm watching War of Y and The Eclipse as they come out (unusual for me, I'm almost always a binger). I've started a bunch, and currently have tabs with Vincenzo and Lovely Writer open but I keep getting distracted so I'm not really watching either.

WHEN I CREATED THIS BLOG: Around the beginning of the pandemic, maybe summer 2020? I joined tumblr to follow a hockey romance writer (Taylor Fitzpatrick) and then started following various others, mostly fanfic writers, as a lurker. I didn't start posting until a month ago (July 21, 2022), inspired by KinnPorsche and then other BL shows I got into.

WHAT I POST: So far it's been mostly reactions to and analysis of BL and BL-adjacent shows. And occasionally videos of dancers (ballet & tango so far). But I have ADHD, so who knows what the future holds.

OTHER BLOGS: I started a sideblog @iamthinkingaboutvariousthings to use as a storage container for reblogging posts I want to keep track of but not overwhelm my timeline with. At the moment its all The Devil Judge meta.

DO I GET ASKS: I've only had a few so far, but I got so excited! I would love asks.

AVERAGE HOURS OF SLEEP: so erratic (see ADHD), but I probably need about 9?

WHAT I'M WEARING: dark blue sweatpants, a light blue t-shirt, and glasses

DREAM JOB: This is an emotionally fraught question right now, so I'm gonna skip it :-)

DREAM TRIP: ooh boy. I've been fortunate to travel a lot with my family (my grandmother loved to travel and would take us all over the world). I'd love to travel more on my own, I haven't done that much. I can't pick a place though, the world is too big and amazing!

I went to England with my mom and did most of the planning myself, so that was a past dream trip. We got to see Stonehenge up close, which was amazing! (Unsolicited advice: it's worth paying for a special after hours tour that gives you the history and lets you actually enter the circle. From the public path it looks kinda blah, but from afar and from inside its quite magical.)

FAVOURITE SONGS (and quotes from them, just for some spice): it's stressing me out to think about it (see previous music question) and this is for fun, so I'm going to skip it too.

I don't know if y'all like ask games, but I'll tag @heretherebedork @absolutebl @markswifesblog @moonchildridden @negrowhat @little-arcadia @technitango @thedeviljudges @bitletsanddrabbles and @veemark. No pressure to respond! And if anyone else wants to play, consider yourself tagged!

#ask game #tag game #about gillianthecat

[fellametshirts]

"Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Heartfelt T-Shirt Gifts: A Symbol of Sibling Love"

Raksha Bandhan gifts in the form of t-shirts offer a thoughtful and personalized way to celebrate the special bond between siblings. These t-shirts are often designed with unique and heartfelt messages or illustrations that convey love, appreciation, and memories shared between brothers and sisters. T-shirts can be customized to match the recipient's preferences and showcase the warmth of the sibling relationship. Whether it's a funny quote, a nostalgic picture, or a heartfelt message, Raksha Bandhan t-shirts make for cherished gifts that symbolize the enduring bond between siblings on this auspicious occasion.

#bachelor shirts #best bro t-shirt #bro sis t-shirt #bro t-shirt #bro t-shirt India #brother-sister t-shirt #combo t-shirts for family #family custom t-shirts #family day t-shirt design #family matching #family shirts #family shirts set of 4 #family t-shirt combo #family t-shirts #family t-shirts for 3 #family t-shirts for 4 #family t-shirts online #family t-shirts online India #family t-shirts set #family t-shirts set of 3 #family t-shirts set of 3 online #family t-shirts set of 4 #family t-shirts set of 4 online #family t-shirts set of 5 #family tee #family t-shirt #family t-shirt for 3 #family t-shirt for 4 #father and son t-shirts #father-son t-shirt

[hoperays-song]

Ok random question that popped in my head. What would the cast and crew wear to sleep? And how would they prepare to go and sleep for the day? Would they wear pajamas? Wear their normal attire? Or even better yet, would they wear onesies :O now that’s just cute and wholesome

Great question!! So the only ones I actually thought out were for the teens (Johnny, Ryan, Porsha, Nooshy, Ash, and Meena), since they do have movie nights in my fics a fair bit! Hope you enjoy!

- <3 Gooseless

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PJs

Johnnny: Old t-shirt and PJ pants, sometimes with a hoodie.

Ryan: Sweatshirt and PJ shorts, sometimes with fuzzy socks.

Porsha: Complete matching PJ Set, sometimes with matching robe.

Nooshy: Long sleeved shirt and PJ shorts, sometimes with leggings (+ a bonnet for the human au).

Ash: Band tank top and PJ pants, sometimes with an old hoodie.

Meena: PJ long sleeved dress and PJ pants, sometimes with plain robe.

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Nighttime Routine (based on roommates)

Johnny and Ryan: After the show, they will typically do their own thing for a bit (Johnny calling his family, Ryan working out/dancing). Then they'll typically make dinner in the communal kitchen and eat in their dorm. Ryan showers first while Johnny cleans up, and Johnny showers while Ryan starts on his schoolwork (he's enrolled as a college student online). They'll typically talk and watch a tv show before going to sleep. Ryan does tend to stay up later doing schoolwork however.

Porsha and Nooshy: After the show, Nooshy typically will go straight back to their room and play some video games while Porsha will hang out with some cast members. Their dinner typically is leftovers of whatever Johnny, Meena, or Rosita made that day. Nooshy showers first and typically will watch a movie before bed. Porsha showers second and will typically stay up playing games online for a bit.

Ash and Meena: After the show, Meena will typically go straight to the kitchen and help whoever is there (usually Rosita or Johnny) with cooking or start something herself. On the other hand, Ash hangs out with Clay until dinner. They take turns showering first and will either just hang out or watch a movie or something before going to bed.

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Onesies Night

Johnnny: Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. (Gift from Gunter the previous winter).

Ryan: Light Fury from How to Train Your Dragon. (Got it a few weeks into the Majestic stay in prep for a onesie movie night).

Porsha: Meowth from Pokémon. (Owns like 20+ onesies because she finds them cute).

Nooshy: Mike Wazowski from Monster Inc. (One of the first clothing items she got herself once they started living with the Taylors).

Ash: Shark from... well, real life. (Gift from Gunter the previous winter).

Meena: Angel from Lilo and Stitch. (Gift from Gunter the previous winter).

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Bonus: Pretty much all of my ships fit into this dynamic.

Also, this living arrangement would just be pure chaos. Like Meena and Ash would probably be the chillest out of the roommate pairs because they're sisters and used to each other at this point.

Meanwhile, neither Porsha or Nooshy can keep a decent sleep schedule to save their lives and have the attention spans of goldfish. Johnny and Ryan are just Johnny and Ryan and there's something about those two that makes them seem like chaotic roommates (that and the constant oblivious co-dependency and flirting).

Let's be honest here, maybe letting a 17 year old, two 18 year olds, two 19 year olds, and a 20 year old with horrible coping skills and overall mental health live together was not Buster's best idea. They have a reign of terror on that poor hotel.

#sing 2 #the majestic stay is going great #obviously #(it very much is not. send help. it's chaos) #sing johnny #sing ryan #sing porsha #sing nooshy #sing ash #sing meena #rynny if you squint and turn your screen upside down #they/she nooshy supremacy #nooshy chooses to dress like she's never heard of clashing patterns before #johnny will literally cover his eyes when he sees them because of this #ryan is the only one of the group currently in college #because that idiot has never heard of the words healthy workload in his entire damn life #johnny calls his dad everyday #why? because that boy has abandonment issues coming out his freaking ears #marcus teaches him to make his mum's old recipes over the phone #porsha still is very much the rich kid of the group #and buster decided to room her with the kid that was homeless literally 2 weeks before #porsha was in for some serious culture shock #all i can really say about meena here is she knows how to pick a colour scheme #pale pink blue purple and white #nice choice #she's also the baby of the group and is completing her senior year of high school remotely

[thepropertylovers]

My Goals and Intentions for the New Year

The air is different at the beach in the winter.

It’s still unseasonably warmer than it is back home, but it’s extra breezy and cooler, like a warm embrace or a light sweater wrapped around your shoulders. I never thought I would want to spend any amount of time in January at the beach, mostly because I’m still in cozy hygge mode and want to live in turtlenecks and cardigans all day instead of sun, shorts, and t-shirts. But nonetheless, we had to come down so PJ can set things up to finish the renovation of the beach shack so that we can hopefully stay in it this summer, so here we are!

Starting the new year off at the beach somehow feels right, weirdly enough. It feels like a breath of fresh air and I’m taking it all in one big gulp at a time. The kids of course love it down here, and though PJ and I were both hesitant about how we would feel once we finally got down here (he, too, was still in complete winter mode), we’re so happy we came. It feels great to get out of the house and spend a little time in one of our favorite places, no matter that it’s 70 degrees in January.

At the start of every new year, I find myself filled with so much gratitude for having made it another year on this planet. Equally so, I feel so thankful that my family is here, safe and healthy for another 365 days. I am very big on New Year’s Resolutions and we do our “words of the year” on the chalkboard wall in our kitchen, but I wanted to leave it here while it’s still fresh in my mind what my goals are for 2023, starting with my mantra or motto for the year:

Choose kindness

I know. Cliche and you’ve probably heard it a million times, but I’m embracing the cheesiness of it all and jumping in head first. I want to choose kindness in everything I do this year: With my family, my friends, myself. I want to put others first while being mindful of myself in the process. I want to do tasks for the ones I love and help them in any way that I can, while also helping myself. I want to give others grace and cut everyone a little slack, much more so than I would have in the past, while also giving myself some grace when I make mistakes.

Along with choosing kindness this year, the below is what I also want to focus on for the next 12 months:

Read more. Books, magazines, columns, blogs. I love reading and want to get back to how I used to read when I was little, which was, in short, a lot more than I do now.

Write more. I plan to write in the blog as much as I can and really work on my writing abilities because I enjoy it so much, and who knows? Maybe there will be a book sometime in the future (a dream!!).

Drink less. I am starting this ASAP with Dry January!

Do something I’ve never done before. Wallpaper a room in our house by myself? Start writing a book? The possibilities are endless!

Get more involved with helping refugees. We have worked with USA for UNHCR for 3 years now, but I would love to take our work with them to the next level. I love everything they stand for in helping the most vulnerable and I am looking forward to continuing working with them this year.

Not worrying so much about what people think. As much as I hate to admit it, I do care, to a certain extent, what those online think about me. I mean, we all do at times, right? Social media is our job but I have never been very comfortable talking directly to the camera on IG Stories, so I am going to work on this year just documenting whatever is happening and not worrying about what people are going to think of what’s coming out of my mouth or if I look dumb. Somehow just writing that down already just feels so much better.

Not caring so much about social media. Along with the above, I also want to stop worrying so much about numbers and statistics and analytics. I will always have to, to a certain extent, because, again, it’s our job and how we make al living, but the last few years I have been so in my head about it all. I want to spend more time focusing on what’s happening in real life, because that’s truly the stuff that matters in the end.

Remember that it’s more about wholeness, not necessarily happiness. Life has so many ups and downs. The only consistent thing is that it’s never consistent, no matter how much we wish it were. I will do my best to remember that all of life’s mishaps only had to the wholeness of my life, which in turn, helps create a much more full, well-rounded life experience.

If I think of any other ones, I will be sure to update them here. I am so excited about all the possibilities the new year brings and I can’t wait to see where 2023 takes our family!! Hope your 2023 is off to a good start!

[speakingofdoorknobs]

I was tagged by @mikesmoustache

name: ehhhhhhhh we'll go with AJ (I'm too old to feel comfortable using my full name online)

star sign: Cancer - I have never seen a zodiac lighter with my sign on it, which is a shame because it would be hilarious to offer to people ominously.

birthday: June 26

height: 5'10" (~177cm)

time: 1.30 am

favorite bands/artists: Top 3: Queen, Depeche Mode, Devotchka in that order. After that I can only give categories, not ranks.

last movie: in a theater: The Addams Family/at home: The Incredibles (just happy it wasn't one of the Cars movies again)

last show: Currently rewatching 'Allo 'Allo

when did i create this blog: this specific blog was created March of 2011

what i post: on this blog, just shiny things I like - stuff comes in waves as I get into different things, but Star Trek and Disco Elysium are pretty constant content. Also cats.

last thing i googled: "can you skip a ring on water" (wanted to see if it was plausible for a character to dramatically toss a ring into a lake and have it skim/skip)

other blogs: okay, so: This blog started as a sideblog of All Our Yestertomorrows, which was a comic I was drawing based on the TTRPG we were playing at the time (a mashup of several White Wolf settings). I kind of ran out of steam on that (I should really get back to it, I found the binder with my game notes again), and decided that I'd switch this blog over to be under another account I'd made to use as a portfolio (@effulgentinara), which is only for original work like fanart, jewelry, sketches, etc. Unfortunately, this causes some confusion since I mostly interact with everyone through this side blog.

Please, please @staff - let me either make this its own account or let me swap which is my main and which is my sideblog, or at least let me choose which account replies and asks are marked as being from. It's been eleven years, I think I deserve this.

do i get asks: Not often, but I always enjoy them.

following around: 100. I've determined that's the maximum number of people I can follow without feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with Tumblr, and it's a pleasantly round number.

average hours of sleep:

My personal best/worst is technically only around 50 solid hours awake, but yeah, I'm really bad about just... forgetting? to sleep? But I'm trying to be better about it recently.

instruments: couple of years of piano lessons that I could probably dredge up with a little refresher (don't currently own a piano or working keyboard so I'm out of practice), guitar, ukulele, a little bit of flute, playing around with an electronic drum pad I bought as a treat, every now and then I give that toy accordion a shot again, and recently I've been enjoying the otomatone I got for my birthday

what i’m wearing:  t-shirt and shorts (with pockets!)

dream job: children's book illustrator or just creating weird little games (I do some stuff in my spare time, but don't have a lot of chances to work on it)

dream trip: would be nice to go to Japan (particularly the Korakuen Gardens), but if I'm being perfectly honest my main motivation for brushing up on my French is to go visit Parc Astérix someday.

nationality: American/Irish (technically UK as well, but I've never bothered to file the paperwork because I don't really have any plans to live there anytime soon)

favorite song: Fire Escape in the Sea by Sea Power may have managed to dethrone '39 by Queen, or has at least tied

last book i’ve read: Does an epic fanfic completely re-writing Star Trek: TNG but with Tasha surviving count? If not, then I think it was either Howl's Moving Castle or James Acaster's Classic Scrapes.

top 3 fictional universes i would like to live in: Star Trek (fully automated luxury gay space communism FTW), Animal Crossing, or Wallace and Gromit

Tagging @shoutsindwarvish @tiwaztyrsfist @singedsun @nerdishnerd @angelchrys @tardigradesonthemoon @thewinterarcher

#ask and ye shall receive

[ranakaushal]

Custom T-Shirt Printing Online | allthingscustomized

In today's fast-paced digital world, custom t-shirt printing online has become a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. The convenience of designing and ordering personalized apparel from the comfort of your home or office is unmatched. At allthingscustomized, we offer a seamless online experience, ensuring high-quality prints, competitive prices, and fast delivery. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the myriad of benefits and options available when you choose us for your custom t-shirt printing needs.

Why Choose Custom T-Shirts?

Custom t-shirts offer a unique way to express individuality, promote a brand, or commemorate a special event. Here are some compelling reasons to opt for custom t-shirts:

1. Personal Expression

Whether you're looking to showcase your artistic skills, support a cause, or simply wear something that no one else has, custom t-shirts allow you to express yourself uniquely.

2. Brand Promotion

For businesses, custom t-shirts are a cost-effective marketing tool. They help increase brand visibility and can serve as walking advertisements, reaching a wide audience.

3. Special Events

Custom t-shirts are perfect for events such as family reunions, weddings, charity runs, and corporate retreats. They create a sense of unity and serve as lasting mementos.

The allthingscustomized Difference

When you choose allthingscustomized for your custom t-shirt printing online, you benefit from our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. User-Friendly Online Design Tool

Our intuitive design tool allows you to create your perfect t-shirt with ease. You can upload your own artwork, use our extensive clipart library, and choose from a wide range of fonts and colors.

2. High-Quality Printing

We use state-of-the-art printing technology to ensure that your designs come to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. Our printing methods include:

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Ideal for complex designs with multiple colors.

Screen Printing: Perfect for bulk orders with simple designs.

Sublimation Printing: Best for all-over prints and polyester fabrics.

3. Premium Materials

Our t-shirts are made from high-quality fabrics that are soft, durable, and comfortable. We offer various material options, including 100% cotton, cotton blends, and moisture-wicking fabrics.

4. Eco-Friendly Options

We are committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly printing options. Our water-based inks are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, ensuring that your custom t-shirts are as green as they are stylish.

5. Fast and Reliable Shipping

We understand the importance of timely delivery, especially for event-specific orders. Our efficient production process and reliable shipping partners ensure that your custom t-shirts arrive on time.

How to Order Custom T-Shirts Online

Ordering custom t-shirts from allthingscustomized is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create and order your personalized apparel:

1. Select Your T-Shirt

Browse our extensive catalog to find the perfect t-shirt style and color. We offer various fits, including unisex, women's, and youth sizes.

2. Design Your T-Shirt

Use our online design tool to bring your vision to life. Upload your artwork or create a design using our tools. You can preview your design and make adjustments as needed.

3. Choose Printing Options

Select the printing method that best suits your design and order quantity. Our system will recommend the most suitable printing technique based on your choices.

4. Review and Place Your Order

Once you're satisfied with your design, review your order details, select your preferred shipping method, and complete your purchase. Our team will handle the rest!

Tips for Designing Custom T-Shirts

Creating a standout custom t-shirt requires a blend of creativity and practical considerations. Here are some tips to help you design the perfect t-shirt:

1. Keep It Simple

While intricate designs can be impressive, simplicity often works best, especially for small prints. A clear, bold design is more likely to be noticed and remembered.

2. Consider Your Audience

Think about who will be wearing the t-shirt. Choose colors, fonts, and graphics that appeal to your target audience, whether it's a corporate team or a group of friends.

3. Use High-Resolution Images

For the best print quality, ensure that your images are high-resolution. Low-quality images can result in blurry or pixelated prints.

4. Balance Text and Graphics

If your design includes both text and graphics, make sure they complement each other. The text should be readable, and the graphics should not overshadow the message.

5. Proofread Your Text

Double-check all text for spelling and grammar errors. A small mistake can detract from the professionalism of your custom t-shirt.

Customer Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our satisfied customers have to say:

"I ordered custom t-shirts for our family reunion, and they turned out amazing! The quality of the print and the fabric exceeded my expectations." - Jane D.

"Our company used allthingscustomized for our promotional t-shirts, and we couldn't be happier. The design process was easy, and the delivery was fast." - Mark T.

"The eco-friendly printing options are fantastic. I love that I can get custom t-shirts that are also environmentally conscious." - Sarah L.

Conclusion

At allthingscustomized, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality custom t-shirt printing online. Whether you're an individual looking to express your creativity or a business aiming to boost brand visibility, our comprehensive services and user-friendly platform make it easy to bring your ideas to life. Explore our extensive catalog, utilize our design tools, and experience the difference that comes with our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

[arcprintindia]

12 Best Corporate Gift Ideas for Employees In 2024

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of employee appreciation and recognition, finding the perfect corporate gifts for clients has become increasingly important. In 2024, the emphasis is on thoughtful, practical, and meaningful gifts that resonate with the modern workforce. From tech gadgets to wellness essentials, here are the 12 best corporate gift ideas to inspire and delight your employees.

1. Personalized Desk Accessories

Enhance your employees' workspace with personalized desk accessories such as engraved pen holders, custom mouse pads, or stylish desk organizers. These practical gifts add a personal touch to their work environment and make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

2. Smart Home Devices

Equip your employees with the latest smart home devices to streamline their daily routines and enhance productivity. From voice-controlled assistants to smart thermostats and lighting systems, these tech gadgets make life at home more convenient and efficient.

3. Wellness Kits

Prioritize employee well-being with wellness kits that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care. Consider including items such as essential oil diffusers, aromatherapy candles, stress-relief toys, and meditation apps to help employees unwind and recharge.

4. Customized Apparel and Merchandise

Boost team spirit and brand loyalty with customized apparel and merchandise featuring your company logo or slogan. From T-shirts and hoodies to water bottles and tote bags, these branded items create a sense of unity and pride among employees.

5. Subscription Services

Give the gift of convenience and entertainment with subscription services such as streaming platforms, meal delivery kits, or wellness apps. These subscriptions provide employees with access to a wide range of content and services tailored to their interests and preferences.

6. Tech Accessories

Upgrade your employees' tech game with stylish and functional accessories such as wireless chargers, Bluetooth headphones, or portable power banks. These tech essentials keep employees connected and powered up throughout the day.

7. Personal Development Resources

Invest in your employees' growth and development with books, online courses, or workshops focused on personal and professional skills development. Empower employees to expand their knowledge, enhance their expertise, and achieve their full potential.

8. Outdoor Gear

Encourage outdoor adventures and exploration with high-quality outdoor gear such as hiking backpacks, camping tents, or portable picnic sets. These gifts inspire employees to embrace nature, stay active, and create lasting memories with friends and family.

9. Eco-Friendly Products

Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly products such as reusable water bottles, bamboo utensil sets, or recycled notebooks. These gifts align with employees' values and contribute to a healthier planet.

10. Remote Work Essentials

Support employees in their remote work endeavors with practical essentials such as ergonomic office chairs, adjustable standing desks, or noise-canceling headphones. These items enhance comfort and productivity, whether employees are working from home or on the go.

11. Gourmet Food and Beverage Hampers

Treat your employees to gourmet food and beverage hampers filled with artisanal chocolates, gourmet snacks, specialty teas, or fine wines. These indulgent treats add a touch of luxury to their dining experience and make celebrations extra special.

12. Team Building Experiences

Foster camaraderie and teamwork with experiential gifts such as team-building workshops, cooking classes, or outdoor adventure activities. These immersive experiences create bonds among team members and foster a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best corporate gifts for employees in 2024 are those that prioritize personalization, well-being, and sustainability. By choosing gifts that resonate with employees' interests, values, and lifestyle preferences, businesses can strengthen relationships, boost morale, and foster a positive work culture.

Whether it's personalized desk accessories, smart home devices, wellness kits, or team-building experiences, the key is to show appreciation and recognition in meaningful ways. Invest in your employees' happiness and fulfillment with thoughtful corporate gifts that inspire, motivate, and empower them to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

#corporate gifts for clients #corporate gifts online #corporate gifts for employees